Tax Credits Available to Agribusinesses for Purchasing SC-Grown Products

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State agribusinesses have until September 30 to apply for tax credits intended to reward companies for buying S.C.-grown products.

Income tax credits or withholding tax credits are available to qualified agribusinesses or agricultural packaging operations which purchase more than $100,000 of products certified by the S.C. Department of Agriculture as grown in the state in a base year. Companies must then increase the amount of S.C.-grown products purchased the following year by at least 15%, according to a news release from the agricultural department.

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SC DEW 2030 South Carolina Job Projection Report Released

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The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) released a job projection report for the next ten years which included a list of the industries expected to see the most growth. Surprisingly, the motion picture and sound recording industries came in on top for projected fastest growth. DEW predicts the industry will have 2,217 jobs in 2030 representing an 85.5% increase over the 1,195 jobs reported in the industry in 2020. Behind movies and audio, information services came in second, and performing arts, sports, and related industries came in third. Museums, historical sites, and similar institutions came in fourth for projected fastest growth by 2030.

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Governor Invests Additional $25M to Technical College Workforce Development Program

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Governor Henry McMaster invested an additional $25 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds to the South Carolina Technical College System for the Workforce Scholarships for the Future program. The program covers the cost of tuition and fees at any of the state’s 16 technical colleges for industry credentials or associate degrees in high-demand fields, such as manufacturing, IT, construction, transportation, and logistics. The SC Chamber applauds the Governor’s commitment to ensuring our state’s talent is ready to meet the needs of South Carolina employers.

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Florence Regional Airport Performing Well

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The Florence Regional Airport is vital to the growth of Florence and the surrounding area.

Growth is coming in September in the form of a 75-passenger aircraft with dual class service. American Airlines recently announced it will be replacing the Embraer 145s with CRJ 700s in the Florence market in September.

“This is just the beginning of seeing all our efforts come to fruition,” Connie Anderson said. Anderson is executive director of the Florence Regional Airport. “Our partnership with American Airlines remains a priority, and we are looking forward to a bright future full of growth. We are excited to welcome the larger, dual class jets into FLO in September.”

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Chamber Announces Fall Golf Classic Date

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We hope you will plan to join us on Thursday, October 6th for our annual Fall Golf Classic at Traces Golf Club.  Lunch will be served at 11:00 am with tee off at noon.  There will be hospitality holes throughout the course and hospitality carts to make sure you are taken care of.

For more information, click here.

Moore Farms to Hosts Garden Art Class

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Are you looking for a way to get your kids outside in a safe environment?Join Moore Farms Botanical Garden on Saturday, August 6 from9:00am-12:00pm for their Garden Art class! Several stations will be set up throughout the garden that guide you through how to make an art piece using natural materials. Your adventure through the garden will be self-guided and you can explore as many stations as you like. This will be fun for the whole family! Tickets are ONLY $5! Purchase yours today!

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Superior Machine Holds Ribbon Cutting

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Superior Machine Co. of South Carolina, Inc. in Florence joined the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, July 27th.

Cutting the ribbon was Robert G. “Zip” Vassy Jr., Vice President/Finance. He was joined by members of the team at Superior Machine Co. of South Carolina, Chamber staff and ambassadors.

The company, located at 692 N. Cashua Drive, was started in the ‘60s by Francis Phillips in the paper mill industry. It evolved over the years to include paper, steel and aggregate “rock” industries. In the early ‘80s the company turned its attention mainly to the steel industry.

Florence is the company headquarters and the only manufacturing plant, Vassy said. He said the company has sales and engineering offices at Pawley’s Island and an engineering office in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Florence Chamber Participates in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives ACCELERATE Conference

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Les Echols, Director of Community and Minority Enterprise for the Greater Florence Chamber, participated in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives ACCELERATE Conference in Indianapolis last week.

Les was part of a team of speakers that talked about diversity, equity and inclusion and how it can be embedded in everything chambers do. The program was modeled after TED Talks, with rapid-fire presentations meant to inspire attendees to consider what’s possible at other chambers of commerce across the country.

Les also shared the ups and downs of how to build trust and accountability for DEI to take root within the business community.

Florence Center Makes National Magazine Cover

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Check this out!! Florence Center was featured on the cover of the 2022 Mustang Times Magazine. The Mustang Club of America is the largest organization of Mustang enthusiasts in the world. This Nationwide publication did an amazing job highlighting the Mustang Show, Florence Center, and the Pee Dee area after this springs show here in Florence. Everyone looks forward to hosting the Eastern Carolina Mustang Club regional show again in April 2023.

Pound Real Estate Partners Join Chamber with Ribbon Cutting

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Pound Real Estate Partners LLC celebrated joining the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting in the James Allen Plaza on Dargan Street on Tuesday, July 26th.

Cutting the ribbon were broker-in-charge Patty K. Pound and co-owner Robert Pound, Realtor. They were joined by Chamber staff and ambassadors.

Patty Pound said she has been in the real estate business for six years. Prior to that she was a professional photographer for about 25 years, and just recently gave that up to pursue her passion for real estate full time.

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